Okay, This Is Fun

Name: Made in Argyll
Address: Oban

markednmade
May 27
3 min read

I am proof that you can rediscover who you are, find your passion and learn something new in your thirties. Honestly, I am having a brilliant time.

Hi, I'm Naomi, I live in the West Coast of Scotland and I blog about my journey learning to tattoo. This is what I've been up to over the past month!

We began the month by taking a trip to Glasgow for the Yardworks Festival. We had went last year and it was brilliant. So this year, we took the kids along too. Not only are you surrounded by incredible artwork, it is an excellent opportunity for networking as there are some incredible people and artists to meet too.

@epod3000 @katiescott_creative @peachzz

@aroe_heavyartillery

Events like this are inspiring and the creative juices are flowing. I am loving drawing everyday and have enjoyed recent comissions. These can't be posted yet but keep an eye on my socials! I also love creating for the Made in Argyll shop in Oban. It is such an amazing community to be a part of; full of such talented artists and crafters.

The past month has been filled with learning. Of course practical practice is important, but there is a lot to the theory side of tattooing too! There is so much to learn about needles, machines, techniques and sanitary practices! I find it really interesting and what I have learned is that: while many complain about the cost of tattoos, I have really began to understand why they can reach such high prices. Not only are you paying for someone's experience and expertise, materials all add up. These include all the equipment and materials required to keep you and your artist safe. On that note, this month I also renewed my First Aid qualification (which was many years out of date!)

Anyway, back to the exciting stuff. I splashed out and ordered the best fake skin on the market: Skinz. Wow, what a difference! They are easier to use, more like real skin and the quality compared to the cheap stuff on Amazon is unmatched. No, I am not sponsored by them. I just love them!

I decided to just dive right in and attempt a portrait. This is what I do on paper and canvas and really felt like I was in my comfort zone. For a first attempt, I was really chuffed with this portrait of Marilyn Monroe. The same principles are used in any art form to create realism in a portrait. Soft shading and contrast help to achieve this, it's just the technique that's different!

I also attempted some writing for the first time. I did have some help from the tablet as my handwriting is horrendous. I am trying out some more complex designs too.

The third person (including myself) I tattooed was thankfully one of my best friends. My nerves were through the roof but I'm grateful she sat like a rock and loved the final result.

My poor partner will run out of skin by the time I'm done with him! I know he loves more cartoony tattoos so I thought I'd give it a go! This was also my first attempt with colour. I drew up this fish but he wasn't totally happy with the colours. I edited it on the tablet and managed to squeeze it among his many other tattoos. He loves it too so I was pretty proud.